Picture a Soviet-born storyteller who traded Moscow’s chilly streets for America’s literary spotlight—meet Paul Goldberg! A journalist turned novelist, Goldberg burst onto the scene with his darkly funny debut, The Yid, blending Jewish identity, historical intrigue, and a knack for satire. His unique voice, shaped by his immigrant roots and medical reporting career, makes every page a vibrant journey.
From his work as editor of The Cancer Letter to crafting novels that tackle big ideas with a wink, Goldberg’s stories resonate with readers who love wit and heart. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this captivating author!
The Making of Paul Goldberg
Born on April 25, 1959, in Moscow, Paul Goldberg grew up in the Soviet Union’s shadow, where stories of resilience and rebellion were part of daily life. At 14, he immigrated to the United States, carrying a cultural tapestry that would later color his writing. A 1981 Duke University graduate, Goldberg found his calling in journalism, joining The Cancer Letter in 1986 and becoming its editor and publisher by 2011. His reporting on oncology sparked policy changes and earned accolades, but fiction was where his imagination truly soared.
Paul Goldberg’s Unforgettable Stories
Goldberg’s debut novel, The Yid (2016), is a tragicomic heist tale set in Stalin’s USSR, where a Jewish actor plots to assassinate the tyrant. Nominated for the Sami Rohr Prize and the National Jewish Book Award’s Goldberg Prize for Debut Fiction, it’s a bold mix of humor and history. His follow-up, The Château (2018), takes a satirical swipe at a Florida condo board election, weaving Jewish identity and Trump-era absurdities into a sharp comedy.
In 2023, The Dissident hit shelves, a thrilling caper about Jewish refuseniks in 1970s Moscow solving a murder before Henry Kissinger’s visit. Critics called it a Coen Brothers-esque spin on a Bond flick, with its blend of heart, hilarity, and suspense. Goldberg’s non-fiction, including two books on the Soviet human rights movement and How We Do Harm (co-authored with Otis Brawley), exposes healthcare flaws with the same incisive wit. His style—darkly funny, historically rich, and unapologetically Jewish—makes complex themes accessible and unforgettable.
Why Paul Goldberg Matters
Paul Goldberg’s work bridges cultures, blending Soviet and American perspectives to explore identity, resilience, and the human condition. His novels give voice to Jewish experiences, while his journalism drives real-world change in oncology. By tackling heavy topics with humor, he invites readers to laugh, reflect, and connect. His growing acclaim, including a 2024 Wingate Literary Prize shortlist for The Dissident, cements his place as a vital literary voice.
Goldberg’s stories remind us that even in dark times, wit and heart can light the way. His influence spans literature and healthcare, making him a storyteller who entertains and inspires.
- Born: April 25, 1959, Moscow, USSR
- Key Works: The Yid, The Château, The Dissident, How We Do Harm
- Awards: Finalist for Sami Rohr Prize, National Jewish Book Award; shortlisted for 2024 Wingate Literary Prize
- Fun Fact: His journalism led to Congressional investigations in oncology.
Snag The Yid or The Dissident and dive into Paul Goldberg’s brilliant blend of humor and history!